By Cheryl Jahn

Project overruns “concerning”

Aug 31, 2020 | 8:01 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – “I’m wondering how we got it so wrong.”

Those were the words from Councillor Brian Skakun upon seeing the list of the top ten capital projects in the 2019 annual report.

Specifically, he has put forward a report with a full accounting of the George Street parkade project. Council approved a budget of $12.6 million dollars. But, in the words of Ian Wells, the Director of Development Services, there were some significant project complication.

It means the project closed last year at a cost of $17.9 million.

BCHL Playoffs

Langley's goalie steals game one over Spruce Kings

19h ago

ckpg news special

The Resource Reality

Apr 03, 2026

Crime

Paramedics injured after object thrown through ambulance window

Apr 03, 2026

In fact, of the top ten projects, only two stayed within budget. Another notable is the Western Acres Water System upgrade, which went from an approved budget of $4.6 million to $5.5 million at the end of 2019.

Council has a Delegation of Authority bylaw, which gives the City Manager the authority to approve cost overruns. But Councillor Skakun noted what has transpired recently “was not the intent” of the bylaw.

Council unanimously endorsed Councillor Skakun’s motion.